Immunization Information for Healthcare Professionals

Immunization

The goal of the immunization program is to offer protection against vaccine-preventable diseases in order to attain a high level of immunity that will prevent outbreaks.

For information on the COVID-19 or Influenza immunization campaigns, please visit:

Community Vaccine Provider Responsibilities

  • Follow BCCDC Immunization Manual guidelines
  • Maintain cold chain and report any cold chain incidents to the local health unit
  • All vaccines administered to individuals less than 19 must be reported to the local health unit when the vaccine is not documented into Panorama or ImmsBC at time of administration 
  • Report adverse events following immunization to the local health unit
Follow BCCDC Immunization Manual Guidelines

The BCCDC Immunization Manual provides best practice guidelines to direct the provision of immunization services in British Columbia. The manual is updated regularly and it is the responsibility of each provider to ensure they are using the most current version. All updates are summarized in the Admin Circulars. To receive automated email updates when the manual is updated, enter your email address on this page.

Management of Biologicals

The BCCDC Immunization Manual: Appendix E provides guidelines on the management of biologicals. Additional information and resources can be found on the BCCDC Vaccine Management page. There is also a free 30-minute course on Vaccine Storage and Handling

Maintaining Vaccine Stability

Vaccines are sensitive biological products. Protection of vaccine potency and stability is important.

The recommended temperature for vaccine storage and handling is between +2.0°C to +8.0°C at all times.

Record the minimum, maximum and current temperature of the vaccine fridge at the start and end of each business day using the Refrigerator Temperature Log. For more information, review these instructions.

A cold chain incident occurs when the minimum, maximum or current fridge temperature reading is outside +2.0°C to +8.0°C. If this happens, immediately quarantine the vaccine in a fridge maintained between +2.0°C to +8.0°C
and following these steps:

  1. Notify the local Health Unit Biological Products Monitor (BPM)
  2. Complete the Cold Chain Incident Form. For more information, review these instructions.
  3. Send completed form (email preferred) to the local Health Unit 
  4. Keep vaccines quarantined in the fridge and await recommendations
Ordering Vaccine

To order vaccine, complete Publicly Funded Vaccine Order Form and fax to the local Health Unit.

Reporting Immunizations to Public Health

Immunizations administered to children less than 19 years of age must be reported to the local Health Unit when the vaccines are not entered directly into Panorama or ImmsBC at time of administration.

To report immunizations to Public Health, complete Report of Immunization of Children 0-18 Years by Community Vaccine Providers Form and fax to local Health Unit weekly. 

Reporting Adverse Events

The BCCDC Immunization Manual: Part 5: Adverse Events Following Immunization provides guidance on reportable events. All adverse events following immunization that meet the reporting criteria must be reported to the local Health Unit. For more information, see CVP Reporting Process.

When an adverse event following immunization is reported to you: 

  1. Review the reporting criteria (Page 7)
  2. If the reaction meets the reporting criteria, complete the AEFI Case Report Form
  3. Send completed form to the local Health Unit

Additional Resources

News & Events

Child getting immunized at an Island Health facility

Reducing barriers and increasing access supports families to get immunized

For physicians Aaron Childs and Sonja Mathes, vaccinating their three children is a matter of course. 

Read more

National Immunization Awareness Month

Vaccines save lives: stay up to date with immunizations for all ages

In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month in August, Island Health is highlighting the importance of immunizations for children, youth and adults.

Read more

Child and mother

Children under five years now eligible to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Beginning August 2, 2022, all people over the age of six months in B.C. can now receive protection against the COVID-19 virus, following Health Canada’s approval of the vaccine specifically formulated for children between the ages of six months and five years old.

Read more